CVE-2019-0671 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-0671, a vulnerability in Microsoft Office Access Connectivity Engine allowing remote code execution. Find affected versions and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability in the Microsoft Office Access Connectivity Engine allows for remote code execution, impacting various versions of Microsoft Office and Office 365 ProPlus.
Understanding CVE-2019-0671
What is CVE-2019-0671?
This vulnerability arises from the mishandling of objects in memory within the Microsoft Office Access Connectivity Engine, leading to the potential for remote code execution.
The Impact of CVE-2019-0671
The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows attackers to execute remote code on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and system compromise.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-0671
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the Microsoft Office Access Connectivity Engine enables attackers to exploit objects in memory, resulting in the execution of arbitrary code remotely.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Microsoft Office 2010 Service Pack 2 (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
- Microsoft Office 2013 Service Pack 1 (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
- Microsoft Office 2013 RT Service Pack 1
- Microsoft Office 2016 (32-bit and 64-bit editions)
- Microsoft Office 2019 for 32-bit and 64-bit editions
- Office 365 ProPlus on 32-bit and 64-bit systems
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious files or emails that, when processed by the vulnerable software, trigger the execution of unauthorized code.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by Microsoft to address the vulnerability.
- Educate users about the risks of opening files from unknown or untrusted sources.
- Implement email filtering to block suspicious attachments.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and systems to ensure the latest security patches are in place.
- Conduct security awareness training for employees to recognize and report phishing attempts.
Patching and Updates
Microsoft has released security updates to fix the vulnerability. It is crucial to promptly apply these patches to safeguard systems and data.